“true boston sports fan”byliz westis licensed underCC BY 2.0
Whether it’s the Red Sox, the Patriots, the Celtics, or the Bruins, Massachusetts sports fans are more die-hard than anywhere else in the country. Out-of-towners should know not to be a bandwagoner and or insult the local teams.
“Yankees”byJon Lee Clarkis licensed underCC BY 2.0
Bitter rivals with the Red Sox, Massachusetts seems to have an underlying hatred of all things New York. If you’re a Yankees fan, it’s best to not wear your colors in the Bay State.
“Clam Chowder - Among the Flowers Cafe - Edgartown - Martha's Vineyard - Massachusetts”byDavid Berkowitzis licensed underCC BY 2.0
Massachusetts clam chowder has no tomatoes in it—that’s what they do in New York and it’s gross.
The word “wicked” pops up regularly during conversation that take place in Massachusetts. However, it’s not an adjective like “gnarly”, it’s an adverb. This means it shouldn’t be used alone to describe something. Instead of saying “that’s wicked,” go with “that’s wicked awesome.”
No matter what in Massachusetts, you’re always driving too slow. Massachusetts folks are very nice people, until they get behind the wheel of an automobile. Then it’s anything goes.
Many people joke that someone from Massachusetts will start panicking if there isn’t a Dunkin’ Donuts within eyesight. This is partially true, as most locals rely on a regular cup of Dunkin’ to start their day.
In a state with so much history, nearly every town has its famous ghost story. It’s no surprise that many people believe the members of Scooby Doo all attended college in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts is home to some awesome lobster and one of the best ways to eat it is via lobster roll. These hoagies stuffed with meat are truly addictive, sure to make an out-of-towner that visits regret not growing up in the area.
Salem is known nationwide for the infamous witch-hunts that went on there, and while various festivals commemorate the towns past, visitors probably won’t fall victim to a spell while they’re walking the streets.
While a “black” coffee might be regular in the rest of the country, in Massachusetts, a “regular” order will get you cream and sugar. It’s a great way to save a few breaths every morning.
Massachusetts is home to a different type of bowling. Candlepin bowling consists of smaller balls and thinner pins, making it much harder to get a super high score.
If someone is from Massachusetts, it’s just “the Cape.” Don’t worry, everyone will know what cape you’re talking about.
If an out-of-towner says they need a drink from the fountain in Massachusetts, they’ll be looked at like they’re crazy. Here it’s called a “bubbler,” it’s best not to mix the two up.
Schools and government offices around the Boston area (even some statewide) shut down on March 17 to commemorate when the British forces left Boston during the Revolutionary War after a siege that lasted almost an entire year. It’s a great day to turn up the patriotism with some good, ole fashioned red, white, and blue.
If you hear the phrase “they couldn’t get past the green monster” in Massachusetts, they’re referring to the giant 37-foot left field wall at Fenway Park, where the Red Sox play. While it’s only 315 feet from home plate, a low line drive won’t achieve home run status here.
Many people in Massachusetts consider the “Curse of the Bambino” a major part of their state history. After Babe Ruth left the Red Sox for the Yankees in the 1919-1920 off-season, there was an 86-year dry spell in which the Sox didn’t win the World Series. However, in 2004 they beat the Cardinals to win, leading many to believe the curse has been lifted.
The New England Patriots have a practice of putting tons of their star players on the weekly injury report, regardless of whether or not they think they’ll play. It’s probably just a subtle strategy used to confuse the opposing team.
Ice cream is a big deal in Massachusetts and the toppings can get a bit confusing for out-of-towners. If you want rainbow colored bits of candy on top, order sprinkles. If you want chocolate flavored bits, they’re called jimmies.
When it comes to ordering everyone’s favorite frozen treat, it’s important to know the difference. While in most of the country, a milkshake will have ice cream in it, in Massachusetts a shake is just milk and flavoring. If you want ice cream in your frozen drink, order a frappe.
Massachusetts is home to a ton of strange words, and while a native Bay Stater may be able to pronounce them with ease, it will probably take an out-of-towner several tries. Give someone not from the area a chance to say things like Billerica, Gloucester, Worcester, and Haverhill before you laugh at them.
Massachusetts takes education very seriously, with tons of top-notch high schools and colleges scattered around the state. Most people in Massachusetts have a great education and love to stay up-to-date on happenings around the world.
Don’t expect to find many Republicans in Massachusetts, as it’s one of the most liberal states in the nation. This also means that the Bay State is usually ahead of the curve when it comes to social issues like gay marriage and marijuana legalization. For an out-of-towner coming from a red state, it can be quite the shock.
Winters are long and cold in Massachusetts, dumping tons of snow on the ground. Massachusetts people are tough though, a couple inches won’t stop them from going about their day as regularly as possible.
If someone grew up in Massachusetts, there’s a good chance they’ve got a Flexible Flyer in their garage. The kids of Massachusetts are spoiled, growing up with some of the best sledding around. It’s just one more reason that everyone in Massachusetts doesn’t tend to dread the winter months.
Out-of-towners will rarely get it right on the first try, often questioning themselves into confusion. Two s’s first then two t’s at the end. It’s a lot easier than out-of-towners tend to make it.
In Massachusetts, especially the Boston area, there’s this thing called “banging a left.” It basically means flooring it to make a left hand turn as soon as the green light shows in order to beat people headed straight in the opposite direction. Just hope they aren’t flooring it as well.
A cross-town tournament, the “Beanpot” determines which Boston hockey team is the best in the city each year. Hockey is a huge deal in this state, as the tournament has been held annually since the 1952 season. It’s a time-tested tradition that won’t go away soon.
When on the roads in Massachusetts, it’s always important to watch out for kids playing street hockey. It’s a favorite afterschool activity and the kids rarely watch out for traffic.
While the rest of America is trying to decide between calling carbonated beverages soda, pop, or coke, the Boston area dances to their own beat using the word “tonic.” This is something important for all out-of-towners to know, especially when they’re trying to order their favorite drink at the bar.
Massachusetts is home to a ton of 24/7 diners. If you’ve got the late night munchies and are able to drive, there’s always somewhere willing to serve you.
There’s nowhere more beautiful come the autumn months than Massachusetts. The countryside becomes filled with leaves of nearly every color, making it every native’s favorite time of the year. Just beware of leaf peepers!
During the winter months, the sun sets in Massachusetts during what many would consider to be late afternoon. For example, on December 8 the sun will set at 4:11 pm!
With tons of natural ingredients and local places to eat, most people in this state don’t eat much fast food. After sampling the local cuisine, it’s easy to see why.
It’s hard to find people more proud of where they’re from than in the state of Massachusetts. With awesome food, tons of culture, and some of the most beautiful beaches around, a trip to Massachusetts will have an out-of-towner wishing it was the place they called home. What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Massachusetts? Tell us in the comments below!
